The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1887-05-27
A Green Mountain Boy Relates Some
of His Adventures as Disburser of
War Time Literature-In Field, Camp
and Prison. u

and is one of the leading members Of the Iron
Brigade association. This brigade was com
posed of the Second, Sixth and Seventh Wis
consin, Nineteenth Indiana and Battery B,
United States artillery. The Twenty fourth
Michigan was afterward added. The brigade
was commanded by King, Merideth, Cutler,
Gibbon and Bragg, all well known names.
"Doc" attached himself to the brigade when
the order was issued allowing only one news
boy to a division, for the reason that the
Wisconsin troops were found to be the best
customers, although he was by birth a
@Green Mountain boy" and had three
brothers in Vermont regiment
He was captured soon after the battle of
Antietan,. After the review which inaugu-
rated Burnsidt's succession to the command
of the Army of the Potomac, "Doc" thought
he would attempt to reach Washington,
thirty -one miles distant, and get back with a
supply of papers, none having been received
in camp for some weeks.
The road was known to be beset with Con-
federate scouting parties, and he was prom
ised capture before he started by some of tl.s
camp croakers. Paying no attention to their
prophecies, the plucky newsboy mounted his
horse and started.
The story of his after events is best told in
his own words, as given in recent interview
with the writer
81 arrived in Washington" said Aubrey,
"the next day, and at once put in an order for
1000 Chronicles In the morning, bright and
early, was OFF with the papers folded length
wise and piled up to my chin before and be-
hind on the saddle. Hidden under the piles
were four bottles of whisky for an officer
friend. This was contraband, but we always
managed to get it through.
"That night reached house inhabited by
an old man about midway between Washing
ton and where had left the army. The next
morning was off, slipping by the pickets at
Centerville and Manassas by means of my
passes signed by Provost Marshal Gen Pat
rick. Thus far everything had gone finely,
and was In the best of spirits, as hoped to
be back among the boys by noon.
Gas the sun got near the zenith / therefore
began to look sharp for our pickets. / was
rewarded about IL o'clock by catching sight
of two horsemen on the pike wearing Union
overcoats. spurred up my horse and in a
few minutes reached them. Riding up to
one who wore the stripes of a corporal I
handed out my pass. AS did SO he spoke
and said, where are you going at?
''The singular construction of the sentence
caught my attention at once, and the cold
chills began to run up and down my back
"The corporal, as he glanced at the pass
with Gen. Patrick's sign manual, began to
laugh.
II saw I was in for it and said, I guess I'm
in the wrong pew
He replied good naturedly, 4 guess you
are, my boy
Determined not to be made prisoner if it
could be avoided, drew little nearer and
said, See here, corporal, Pm only little
newsboy and won't be Of any use to you fel-
lows. Now if you will let me 60 I'll give you
some fine Yankee whisky
''As spoke dived down under the papers
and brought up a bottle of Mountain Dew,
the sight of which made the troopers eyes
sparkle. The corporal drew his saber and
with the point extracted the cork / offered
it to him first, but he waved it back, saying.
Drink yourself first
"He thought it was drugged.
aObeying commands. took a swallow. and
then both troopers took pulls at the bottle
that brought tears into their eyes. After
giving the liquor time to work made an
other appeal for release, but it didn't work,
and was taken back to the picket reserve.
''On reaching camp l was quickly sur
rounded and relieved of my papers.
II saw the corporal ride up to the lieutenant
and surmised he was telling him about the
whisky. -s...s a.- .s
II was right.
"a minute after the lieutenant walked over
to me and said, You have some whisky
Give it to me-
u handed it over. e-...
"'How much would you get for this ia
campp
"'Four or five dollars bottle
"'Well, here is $12 That is all the money I
have about me- and the lieutenant handed
over the amount in Confederate money, add
ing, you may need it.
aAnd did se+%
s'An orderly sergeant was then detailed to
take Inc over to Gen. ]. e. B. Stuart's head
quarters at Warrenton. Gen. Stuart was
just mounting to ride around the lines as we
came up. He at once dismounted and re-
turned to the veranda of the historical brick
columned hotel and waited for the sergeant's
report. The latter saluted, and said: Gem
eral, here is Yankee newsboy we have
picked up
a'Bring him inside replied Stuart. and
was led into the hotel That was the only
time saw Stuart. The noted cavalry leader
was at that time fine looking man, though
he looked better on horseback than when
walking. He was short and rather stout,
with a full. sandy red beard flowing down
over his breast. He was very kind, and at
the close of my examination, which included
questions in regard to my trip and what
had seen, he put his hand reassuringly on my
and said: Il believe you are what
you say, a Green Mountain boy, and have
told me the truth. Sergeant take him with
you to your quarters and see that he is pro-
vided for
'That ended the interview.
4Ifollowed the sergeant out on this, went to
his quarters, tied my horse with his at the
rail. and for the night was treated as guest.
The next morning, however, was turned
over to the guard, which was starting with
forty or fifty prisoners for Richmond We
arrived there that afternoon and were
at once to Libby prison.
There ! was confronted by Maj Thomas P.
Turner, who was in command OF the prison.
Maj. Turner asked me il had any valua-
hles. Now did have, besides the $12 in Con-
.,s.sisa-s money gtven ne by the Lieutenant,
S5oU IN United States money. The latter sum
mad taken with me from camp intending to .
SEND 1t home from Washington. This | was
unable TO do, as the express office was clesed.
thought this was gone. When thought /
of the good it would do mother in Vermont
ne tears came into my eyes. The mn jol saw. 4
sheIn and in very kindly tone repeats. bis ]
question. Then told him the whole story 4
told him had made it selling papers. and
Mat mother had to depend on what and NV 4
arothers sent her for support. ]
@The major listened quietly and whom ,a.as
lone with my story he put his hand on NV
non and said: My boy, give me your
money and win keep it safe for ycu When
'ou are released come 70 me and You shall
AVE il again,
handed y over, though with many n.:,-